5 things you've wanted to know about HSHV
Saturday, July 1, 2017
By: Wendy Welch

But may not have yet asked

1. Is HSHV a no-kill shelter?

Yes! The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is classified as a no-kill shelter by Maddie's Fund, a leader in the no-kill movement. We are proud (and thankful) that we do not euthanize any healthy and treatable animals. HSHV staff and volunteers go to great lengths to help and save more and more animals (see, for instance our new FeLV+ cat "office sanctuary" to help adopt out FeLV+ cats), and thanks to HSHV's innovative programs and community support-- including an extensive foster parent network-- animals at HSHV do not have a time limit to get adopted. For more information on the definition of "no-kill shelters" and the Asilomar Accords that define "healthy" and "treatable," see this article by Maddie's Fund.

2. Is HSHV associated with Michigan Humane, HSUS, or others?

Though it's a common misconception that we're connected, the Humane Society of Huron Valley is an independent organization and is not affiliated with or funded by any other humane organization. We are not connected to Michigan Humane Society, the Humane Society of the United States or any other organization. How can this be? Think of the term "humane society" like the term "hospital;" though it means something in terms of similar services they may offer, they're all run very differently. We are a private organization primarily funded by private donors that began over 100 years ago. See more about HSHV including our shelter statistics and financial information at www.hshv.org/aboutus.

3. Why does the Rescue Waggin' bring dogs from other states, when there animals in Michigan that need you?

For many years, we participated in PetSmart Charities' Rescue Waggin', a lifesaving program that transported dogs and puppies from high-kill shelters primarily in the southern United States, to shelters with high adoption success rates, like HSHV.  In 2016, PetSmart Charities discontinued the program nationwide, though they offered limited grants to participating organizations to start their own transportation program. Fortunately, we received one of these grants to start our own transportation program: The Love Train. And we're proud to announce that the Love Train has been transporting both dogs and cats from both out-of-state and in-state shelters!  Shelters interested in participating can see more information about the Love Train here.

4. Why does your TNR program return cats outdoors? Don't they hurt birds?

For most of history, cats have lived outdoors; in fact, until WWII, most cats lived outside. Kitty litter wasn't invented until 1947! Today, the majority of Americans keep their cats indoors, though some speciesist advocates and sensationalist media exaggerate impacts of some cats being outdoors. This recent villinizing and scapegoating of cats is concerning, not to mention detracting from what leading biologists agree on: human-led activities are the number-one cause of species loss. While humans have developed land, cleared habitats, and used pesticides, cats' behavior outdoors has not changed. 

HSHV is committed to the welfare of all animals. While we're saddened to see cats maligned, we can all work together to prevent unwanted animals. Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) has been proven to effectively and humanely control the population of feral cats.  For years, organizations tried euthanizing feral cats, but it didn't work; birth rates actually escalated and other cats traveled from afar to reproduce and fill the holes created by culling (this happens with other species as well -- an evolutionary response to unnatural decreases in population). TNR, on the other hand, has consistently been shown to reduce the population of community cats. Find out more at an upcoming workshop.

5. Who's paying for HSHV to advocate against the Ann Arbor deer cull?

While some opponents believe HSHV should be focused on kittens and puppies, the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) started over 100 years ago by speaking up for mistreated horses, and we've been servicing our community's wildlife needs for over 50 years. (We helped over 300 wildlife creatures in 2016 alone!) Our mission is to support the loving, responsible care of all animals in our community, and since our beginning, this has included both education and advocacy. Read our position statement on the Ann Arbor deer cull.

Advocacy efforts including "Stop the Shoot" are funded solely by private donors; no county or government funds are used. See HSHV's complete financial information including our Form 990 here.